GM spokesperson Chris Lee told the Detroit Free Press that it would need to temporarily lay off 1,300 employees until it begins production of the Volt again in late April. Reuters quoted Lee as well as saying "we’re going to build to market demand."

GM also attempted to assure concerned customers on its Facebook page that "the Chevrolet Volt had a great February (1k+ sales) and we stand behind the vehicle & technology. We’re simply adjusting for market demand and see great potential, especially in states like California, where new HOV access provides the opportunity for further Volt momentum."

The Chevy Volt, which was recently approved to use California’s HOV lanes, has struggled with issues in the last few months that are casting a pale light over this green car experiment by the giant American automaker. The biggest issue? Concerns about its battery pack catching on fire after crashes. However, the NHTSA ruled in late January that its concerns around this potential problem had been addressed.